Meriam Library , California State University, Chico

When you search for information, you’re going to find lots of it. . . but is it accurate and reliable? You will have to determine this for yourself, and the CRAAP Test can help. The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to determine if the information you have is reliable. Please keep in mind that the following list is not static or complete. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need. So, what are you waiting for? Is your web site credible and useful, or is it a bunch of . . .?! 

Evaluation Criteria

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?
• Are the links functional?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

Authority: The source of the information.

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• Are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations given?
• What are the author’s credentials or oganizational affiliations given?
• What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

• What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

• Visual/Spatial – Do you like to see things visually and organize ideas spatially?
• Verbal/Linguistic – Do you learn best through the written and spoken word?
• Mathematical/Logical – Are you logical and learn best through the spoken and written word?
• Bodily/Kinesthetic – Does interacting with others help you to learn?
• Musical/Rhythmic – Do you like patterns, rhythms and music when you learn?
• Intrapersonal – Are feelings, values and attitudes an important component of your learning style?
• Interpersonal – Do you learn best through interacting with others?
• Naturalist – Do you like to classify, categorize and put things in hierarchies?
• Existential – Is seeing the big picture important to you?

Howard Gardner has identified nine Multiple Intelligences.  Garner says there are many ways to be “smart.”  Intelligence is not fixed.  We are born with certain intelligences, but we can learn other ways to be “smart.”   Gardner says we all have a unique set of intelligences and can continue to expand those.

All nine Intelligences are categorized into three different domains:  Analytic, Introspective and Interactive.  The Analytic domain promotes analysis of knowledge based on how the learner best learns.  The Introspective domain has an affective component.  The Interactive domain allows learners to express themselves and explore their environment.

Most instructors tend to teach based on how they prefer to learn.  Identifying your preferred learning style will help you be more effective in your study stills.  If you learn differently than your instructor, how can you exercise one of your less preferred learning styles in order to be more effective?

Once you understand how you prefer to learn, you can capitalize on your learning style.   If your instructor presents information from a logical perspective and you learn best interpersonally, take the information presented and get a study group together to review the content.  Or, if you learn best Existentially think about how you can integrate the concepts in order to see the big picture.

Instructors can help their students be more successful by teaching in a variety of learning styles.  Some students may learn best if they are presented the logical concepts of a theory.  Others may benefit from a small group discussion on the application of the theory.  Some may want to journal about how the theory applies to them.  By teaching the same concept in a variety of learning styles more students will understand and be able to apply the concepts.

If you are interested in finding out how you learn best, take the Multiple Intelligences Profile at the following web site:

http://surfaquarium.com/MI/inventory.htm

Regardless of your age, celebrate your unique learning style as you process information to help you be more effective in class.

Vicki Budd, Coordinator/Advisor/Adjunct Faculty
Bachelor of General Studies
College of Social Sciences/Public Affairs
1910 University Drive
Boise, ID  83725-1120
208-426-5957
208-426-5621 (fax)
VictoriaBudd@boisestate.edu
www.boisestate.edu/bgs